The 2024 season has been a rollercoaster for the West Coast Eagles, and despite not always getting reward for effort, there has been plenty of promising signs from the developing group.
Exciting youngster Reuben Ginbey, impressing in his new role across half back, is confident the Eagles’ best football can give any opposition team a run for their money.
“We don’t want teams to underestimate us,” Ginbey said.
“Freo were obviously playing for a top-four spot, so they’re playing their best footy.
“Obviously we’re not making finals, but we definitely want to imprint our brand on the competition and lead into next year."
The Eagles showed spirit and passion in their cross-town clash with Fremantle on the weekend, the physical contest resulting in a number of players from both sides receiving fines for engaging in melees throughout the game.
“There will be some empty pockets coming into today, but that’s all part of it,” Ginbey said.
“I guess that’s what makes Derbies fun, you expect a fiery tough match-up, and that’s definitely what we brought, and what Freo brought as well.
“That’s part of the game, we were just happy with our contest for definitely three quarters, and a fiery game is what we expected and that’s what we got.”
After a disappointing showing in round 19 against St Kilda, West Coast needed to deliver a much more competitive performance this week, and Ginbey was pleased with the increased effort.
“I think the first half when we were leading coming into half time was very promising,” Ginbey said.
“We really did establish our brand, the contest footy, high pressure, deep entries to our forwards and we were able to lock it in behind that.
“There were definitely a lot of positives, but like ‘Schoey’ (Jarrad Schofield) said, we’re not here for honourable losses, we didn’t get the four points, but there’s definitely some positives and steps forward taken.”
The RAC Derby is one of the biggest sporting events on the WA calendar and Ginbey said the team relished in the atmosphere of the 59th face-off.
“Theres a bit of added intensity, especially with a Saturday night game,” Ginbey said.
“Freo got 56,000 (fans) there so you could definitely hear the crowd, which wasn’t in our favour as much as last time, but that definitely winds you up a bit as well.”
Ginbey praised his midfield teammates for setting the tone and bringing the energy throughout Saturday’s game.
“It started with the midfield, our three boys in there, Tim Kelly was back to his best, ‘Yeoy’ (Elliot Yeo) and Harley (Reid), we know what those boys can do, and also ‘Baz’ (Bailey Williams) in the middle,” Ginbey said.
“Those boys set the tone real early and the forwards were great, and the backs were able to lead off that.”
Star recruit Harley Reid produced a standout performance, managing 29 touches and an equal game-high 10 clearances, the feisty youngster never shying away from the physicality of the contest.
“We love it, I think that’s just in his nature, he will always step in,” Ginbey said.
“As his mates and his teammates, it’s our job to protect him, so if there’s ways to protect him, we’ll do that.
“I think ‘Yeoy’ was great in holding him back a few times and just showing that leadership.”
